The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, (HURIWA), has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), to bring its investigations involving former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to a clear and lawful conclusion, warning political parties against fielding candidates whose unresolved corruption cases raise serious questions about public.
The call was contained in a press statement signed by Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, National Coordinator of HURIWA, on the 9th of September, 2026.
According to the association, an opinion poll it conducted across Nigeria involving more than 6,000 respondents indicated overwhelming public disapproval of parties fielding politicians with unresolved corruption allegations.
HURIWA said 99 per cent of respondents condemned the practice, with particular criticism directed at the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC), over its reported decision to field Okowa for a senatorial contest in Delta North.
The association said respondents in Delta North questioned why the party would reportedly choose the former governor instead of the incumbent senator, Prince Ned Nwoko, and demanded that EFCC clarify status of its investigation into Okowa.
HURIWA said the EFCC must explain status of its investigation into Okowa, who was arrested and detained in November 2024 over allegations concerning management of funds received during his eight-year tenure as Delta State governor.
The group recalled that reports at the time quoted EFCC saying: “Okowa was at our Port Harcourt office following an invitation from the investigators probing the allegations against him. He was then arrested.”
HURIWA noted that the Punch also reported the source as saying: “The commission is investigating him regarding the N1.3 trillion 13% derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.”
The organisation said allegations reported at the time also included questions about funds allegedly used to acquire shares in a floating liquefied natural gas project and other investments.
HURIWA stressed that these were allegations under investigation and not proof of guilt. It noted that Okowa subsequently denied wrongdoing, with his aide maintaining that EFCC had not established a case against him.
The association added that the former governor should be entitled to due process, just as Nigerians deserved transparency about the investigation and a clear explanation of whether evidence warranted prosecution.
“Where investigators have sufficient evidence to prosecute, the EFCC should proceed without undue delay. Where the evidence is insufficient, the commission should equally clarify the position rather than leave the matter indefinitely unresolved,” HURIWA said.
The association said respondents in Kogi State expressed similar concerns about unresolved allegations involving former Governor Yahaya Bello, who has faced EFCC allegations concerning alleged diversion of public funds during his tenure.
HURIWA said reported scale of allegations made it imperative for anti-graft agency to pursue matter transparently and through courts. It emphasised that neither accusation nor investigation should be treated as conviction, however political office should not become shield against lawful investigation or prosecution.
HURIWA said its reported poll reflected public frustration with what respondents perceived as gap between anti-corruption rhetoric and political choices made by parties seeking public office.
It urged APC to explain rationale behind its reported senatorial choice in Delta North and called on all political parties to adopt transparent candidate-selection standards.
The association also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to apply electoral law impartially, noting that eligibility questions must be determined by relevant constitutional and statutory provisions rather than public allegations alone.
HURIWA called on EFCC to provide update on status of Okowa investigation and pursue any prosecution justified by evidence, and to ensure Bello case also proceeds in accordance with law.
“Nigerians should not have to choose between respect for the presumption of innocence and the demand for accountability from public officials,” HURIWA said.
It maintained that both principles must be upheld: no individual should be declared guilty without due process, and no politically influential person should be insulated from investigation because of party affiliation or electoral ambition.
